The Hoi An lantern festival creates one of Vietnam’s most magical monthly celebrations. This festival takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, from six in the evening until roughly ten in the evening. Thousands of colorful lanterns transform the ancient town into a glowing wonderland.
Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates 2025-2026
Planning your visit requires knowing the exact Hoi An Vietnam lantern festival dates. The festival follows the lunar calendar precisely. Here are the confirmed dates for upcoming months:
2025 Festival Dates:
- July 8, 2025
- August 6, 2025
- September 5, 2025
- October 4, 2025
- November 3, 2025
- December 2, 2025
2026 Festival Dates:
- January 1, 2026
- January 30, 2026
- March 1, 2026
- March 30, 2026
The majority of visitors choose to arrive early, frequently before 6 pm, to enjoy dinner and the sunset before the glistening, vibrant lanterns steal the show.
Mark these dates in your calendar now to secure the best accommodation deals!
What Happens During the Vietnam Lantern Festival
On these days the pretty little town of Hoi An Vietnam cuts the electricity and is lit by candles and lanterns alone. The transformation begins at sunset around 6 PM each festival night.
The Vietnam lantern festival follows specific traditions that make it special. Long before the vibrant spectacle of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, the full moon held profound significance in Buddhist culture. Local temples conduct special ceremonies and prayers.
At the festival, the town’s electric lights are turned off, and the streets come alive with the glow of thousands of vibrant lanterns. Crafted from materials like silk and paper, these lanterns create an otherworldly atmosphere.
The highlight involves floating lantern releases on Thu Bon River. Visitors and locals purchase small lanterns, make a wish, and release them onto the river, creating a stunning visual spectacle as the lanterns float downstream. This act is believed to bring good luck and happiness.
Experience this magical tradition firsthand during your Vietnam visit!
Detailed Schedule: What to Expect Hour by Hour | Hoi An Lantern Festival
- 5:30 PM – Arrival and Preparation Arrive early to secure prime viewing spots along the riverbank. Purchase your floating lanterns from certified vendors near the Japanese Covered Bridge. Quality lanterns cost 20,000-50,000 VND each.
- 6:00 PM – Festival Begins
Hoi An lantern festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, from 6 pm to around 10 pm. Electric lights switch off across the Ancient Town. Candles and lanterns illuminate every street corner. - 6:30 PM – Cultural Performances Start The festival also includes cultural performances, traditional games, and rituals at various locations. Dragon dances and folk music begin near major temples.
- 7:30 PM – Main Lantern Release Ceremony The peak moment when hundreds of people release floating lanterns simultaneously. This creates the most spectacular photos and memories.
- 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Continued Celebrations Restaurants serve special festival menus by candlelight. Street vendors offer traditional Vietnamese snacks. The celebration continues until around 10 PM.
Plan your evening around these key times for the best festival experience.
Where to Experience Hoi An Lantern Festival
- Japanese Covered Bridge Area The most iconic location for lantern festival Hoi An photography. Arrive by 5:30 PM to secure viewing spots. The bridge provides perfect backdrops with lantern reflections.
- Thu Bon Riverbank Essential for participating in floating lantern ceremonies. Multiple access points exist along the river. The area near Thuan Tinh Island offers fewer crowds.
- An Hoi Peninsula
Connected by the famous bridge, this area provides excellent river views. Several restaurants offer elevated terraces for comfortable festival viewing. - Central Market Area Best location for authentic local atmosphere and traditional food vendors. Less touristy but equally magical lantern displays throughout the market streets.
Book riverside restaurant tables in advance for premium festival viewing experiences.
Understanding the Spiritual Significance
Every full moon night, they hang red lanterns in the front door or nearby streets, to have good luck, good health, good business, and a happy family. Lanterns have a globe shape, representing a full life, reunion, prosperity, and also full moon.
The lantern festival in Vietnam connects to ancient Buddhist traditions. The full moon is one of the most sacred times in the Buddhist calendar. It is said that Buddha was not only born during a full moon but also achieved enlightenment and passed away during full moon nights.
Local families participate to honor ancestors and pray for prosperity. The lantern release ceremony represents letting go of negative energy and welcoming positive changes.
Many visitors report feeling deeply moved by the spiritual atmosphere. The combination of candlelight, traditional music, and collective prayer creates powerful emotional experiences.
Respect local customs to fully appreciate the festival’s deeper meaning.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
What to Bring:
- Vietnamese dong cash (many vendors don’t accept cards)
- Camera with low-light capabilities
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
- Light jacket for evening river breezes
- Waterproof bag for electronics near water
What to Avoid:
- Flash photography during ceremonies (considered disrespectful)
- Pushing through crowds during lantern releases
- Littering lantern materials in the river
- Loud conversations during prayer moments
Photography Guidelines: “Floating Lantern Festival is lit every night in Hoi An regardless of whether it is the Lantern Festival or not. Candles are placed and burned at the bottom of the colorful paper lanterns, creating a glowing atmosphere in the twinkling moonlight.”
Use manual camera settings for best results. ISO 800-1600 works well for lantern photography. Include people in shots to show the festival’s human element.
Follow these tips for a smooth and respectful festival experience.
Best Accommodation Options During Festival Nights
Luxury Riverside Hotels:
- Four Points by Sheraton Hoi An: Direct river access
- Anantara Hoi An Resort: Premium lantern festival packages
- Ancient House Village Resort: Traditional architecture with modern amenities
Mid-Range Options:
- Thuan Tinh Island Tour Resort: Island location with unique perspective
- River Beach Resort: Beachfront with easy Old Town access
- Hoi An Historic Hotel: Central location near major attractions
Budget-Friendly Choices:
- Sunflower Hotel Hoi An: Clean rooms, walking distance to festival
- Thuy Sakura Hotel: Family-run property with local insights
- Green Dragon Water Palace: Unique architectural design
Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance during peak festival months (October-December).
Festival Food and Dining Experiences
The Hoi An full moon festival offers incredible culinary opportunities. Many restaurants create special candlelit dining experiences during festival nights.
Must-Try Festival Foods:
- Cao Lau: Hoi An’s signature noodle dish
- White Rose Dumplings: Delicate shrimp dumplings
- Banh Mi: Vietnamese sandwiches with local ingredients
- Che Ba Mau: Colorful three-layer dessert
- Fresh spring rolls with regional herbs
Recommended Festival Restaurants:
- Thuan Tinh Island Restaurant: Traditional setting with lantern views
- Morning Glory Original: Authentic family recipes
- Mango Mango: Fusion cuisine with riverside seating
- Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen: Famous street food
Street vendors offer snacks throughout the evening. Try grilled corn, che desserts, and fresh fruit during your festival walk.
Make dinner reservations early as restaurants fill up quickly on festival nights.
Transportation and Getting Around
Getting to Hoi An:
- Fly into Da Nang Airport (45 minutes by car)
- Train to Da Nang, then taxi or bus to Hoi An
- Private car from Ho Chi Minh City (12-14 hours)
- Motorbike rental for adventurous travelers
Festival Night Transportation: Walking remains the best option within the Ancient Town. Streets become pedestrian-only during festival hours. Bicycles are available for rent but difficult to use in crowds.
Grab taxi services operate outside the Ancient Town boundaries. Pre-arrange pickup points with drivers before the festival begins.
Book return transportation in advance to avoid long waits after the festival ends.
Weather and What to Wear
Seasonal Considerations:
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, frequent rain showers
- Fall (September-November): Ideal weather, comfortable temperatures
- Winter (December-February): Cool evenings, less rainfall
- Spring (March-May): Warm days, occasional thunderstorms
Recommended Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Modest attire for temple visits
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Light rain jacket or umbrella
- Long pants for mosquito protection
Evening temperatures range from 20-28°C depending on season. River locations can be 2-3 degrees cooler with breezes.
Check weather forecasts and pack accordingly for outdoor evening activities.
Budget Planning for Your Festival Visit
Estimated Daily Costs:
- Budget traveler: $25-40 USD per day
- Mid-range visitor: $50-80 USD per day
- Luxury experience: $120+ USD per day
Festival-Specific Expenses:
- Floating lanterns: $1-2 USD each
- Festival dinner: $15-30 USD per person
- Photography tour: $25-50 USD
- Cultural performance tickets: $5-10 USD
Money-Saving Tips:
- Purchase lanterns from local vendors (cheaper than tourist areas)
- Eat at local food stalls rather than tourist restaurants
- Share accommodation costs with travel companions
- Walk instead of using taxis within the Ancient Town
Set aside extra budget for spontaneous festival purchases and experiences.
Photography Guide: Capturing Perfect Festival Moments
Essential Camera Settings:
- Manual mode for consistent exposure
- ISO 800-1600 for handheld shots
- Wide aperture (f/1.4-f/2.8) for shallow depth
- Slower shutter speeds for lantern trails
Best Photo Opportunities:
- Lantern reflections on water surfaces
- Crowds releasing lanterns simultaneously
- Traditional performances by candlelight
- Ancient architecture illuminated by lanterns
Composition Tips: Include foreground elements like bridge railings or temple decorations. Use leading lines from lantern strings to guide viewer attention. Capture both wide establishing shots and intimate detail photos.
Respect photography etiquette by avoiding flash during ceremonies and asking permission for portraits.
Conclusion: Create Unforgettable Festival Memories
The Hoi An lantern festival offers an unparalleled cultural experience in Vietnam. Monthly celebrations provide multiple opportunities to witness this magical event. Each festival night creates lasting memories through spiritual traditions and visual beauty.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a magical event held every full moon in the ancient town of Hoi An in Vietnam. On the night of the full moon, thousands of colorful lanterns are lit, both on the streets and in the water, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Perfect planning enhances your festival experience significantly. Book accommodations early, especially during peak tourist seasons. Research lunar calendar dates to choose your ideal festival timing.
The combination of ancient traditions, stunning visuals, and spiritual significance makes this festival truly special. Whether you’re a photographer, culture enthusiast, or spiritual seeker, the festival offers something meaningful.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience one of Southeast Asia’s most magical celebrations. Start planning your Hoi An lantern festival adventure today and prepare for an unforgettable journey into Vietnamese culture and tradition.
Book your trip now to secure the best deals and ensure availability during these popular festival dates.
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